Athletic warmer apparel

ABSTRACT

An apparel comprises a body portion and a pair of arm portions, where an underarm region is located between said body portion and each said arm portions. The body portion further comprises (a) a torso portion, (b) a skirt portion, (c) a band portion located between the torso and skirt portion and (d) at least one elastic element located between the band portion and underarm region.

COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrightrights whatsoever.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to apparel, and specifically to highperformance sports apparel.

DESCRIPTION

A number of sports are primarily played outdoors. Examples include, butare not limited to tennis, golf, volleyball, basketball, soccer,softball, lacrosse, as well as amateur sports such as gymnastics,running, yoga, biking and swimming. Before participating in suchsporting activities, be it actual competition or just practice, anathlete needs to warm up. In such cases, the athletic apparel shouldkeep the athlete warm and remain practical for the sport, for exampleaccommodating independent upper and lower body movement.

Tennis is a prime example, where players need practical warmer apparelbefore playing outdoors. For instance, the current tennis outfits forfemale players consist of a top with a separate skirt, or a one-piecedress which integrates the top with the skirt. The outfit is usuallysleeveless or with short sleeves. Typically during warm up, a playerwears a warm up sweater or jacket for the upper body, and warm up pantsfor the legs. The pants are usually worn either over the skirt or underthe skirt. However, neither option is comfortable for a female player.If the skirt is worn under the pants, it would be tucked andconsequently wrinkled and making the outfit bulky and the player lookingawkward. On the other hand, if the skirt is worn over the pants, theoverall look is just as awkward, if not more.

Moreover, a major privacy concern arises when the skirt is worn withoutintegrated underpants. For example, at the moment when the pants areremoved in a public place, the player may feel very uncomfortable aboutbeing somewhat exposed. Even further, since the ball pockets are locatedin the underpants, reaching for the balls while warming up with pantscan become very unpractical because the player would have to raise theskirt to put her hand inside the warm up pants for each ball. Suchissues arise, whether the tennis outfit is a separate top and skirt, orif both are integrated into one piece.

A one-piece warmer apparel may also be impractical, for example, if ithinders athletic movement or tends to move out of position, bunch up, orrise from the bottom. For instance, a long one-piece sweater wouldlikely rise up every time the athlete raises one hand to serve or hit anoverhand.

In addition to practicality and comfort issues, both options (skirtabove warm up pants, or underneath) are not aesthetic. Female tennisplayers desire apparel that provides a feeling of comfort particularlywhen they see their silhouette on the tennis court. In particular, anoutfit that enhances a female player's shape, rather than create a thickbulky look, is very appealing.

To date, such issues with athletic warmer apparel still persist not onlyfor tennis but also for various other sports including those alreadymentioned. Accordingly, there exists a need for an athletic warmeroutfit that is practical, functional, comfortable and aesthetic.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, an apparel comprises a body portion and a pair of armportions, where the body portion further comprises a torso portion, askirt portion, a band portion and at least one elastic element.

In another embodiment, an apparel comprises a body portion and a pair ofarm portions, where an underarm region is located between said bodyportion and each said arm portions. The body portion further comprises(a) a torso portion, (b) a skirt portion, (c) a band portion locatedbetween the torso and skirt portion and (d) at least one elastic elementextending from the band portion to the underarm region.

In another embodiment, an apparel comprises a body portion and a pair ofarm portions, where an underarm region is located between said bodyportion and each said arm portions. The body portion further comprises(a) a torso portion, (b) a skirt portion, (c) a band portion locatedbetween the torso and skirt portion and (d) a plurality of elasticelements located between said band portion and underarm region.

In yet another embodiment, an apparel comprises a body portion and apair of arm portions, where the body portion further comprises a torsoportion and a skirt portion. The body portion further comprises a bandportion and a plurality of elastic elements arranged such that anindividual wearing said apparel can raise one or both arms withoutcausing the skirt portion to substantially move upward.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an apparel according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts an apparel according to another embodiment.

FIGS. 3 a-3 c depict the overall look of apparel according to severalembodiments.

FIGS. 4 a-4 d depict several movements of a tennis athlete wearing anapparel according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 5 a-5 d also depict several movements of a tennis athlete wearingan apparel according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 6 a-6 g further depict several movements of a tennis athletewearing an apparel according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 7 a-7 g further depict several movements of a tennis athletewearing an apparel according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts an apparel according to one embodiment along with somespecific details of construction and materials.

FIG. 9 depicts an apparel according to another embodiment along withsome specific details of construction and materials.

FIG. 10 depicts an apparel according to yet another embodiment alongwith some specific details of construction and materials.

FIG. 11 depicts an apparel according to still another embodiment alongwith specific details of construction and materials.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present embodiments describe athletic warmer apparel that addressthe aforementioned issues. In particular, the embodiments describeapparel that deliver practicality, functionality, comfort withoutsacrificing aesthetics.

In one embodiment, the apparel comprises a body portion and a pair ofarm portions, where an underarm region is located between said bodyportion and each said arm portions. The body portion further comprises(a) a torso portion, (b) a skirt portion, (c) a band portion locatedbetween the torso and skirt portion and (d) at least one elastic elementextending from the band portion to the underarm region.

The apparel is preferably one-piece such that the torso portion and thearm portions are formed from a single piece of fabric. In someembodiments, the body portion is one-piece. The apparel may comprise anyfabric commonly employed in sporting apparel, which may be a natural,synthetic or a combination thereof. Moreover, the fabric may bemulti-ply for added thermal insulation and/or performance. Certainregions of the fabric may comprise more elastic fibers than others. Inone embodiment, the apparel fabric comprises a polyester and spandexblend.

The underarm region of the apparel is generally located at or near thearmpit of the individual wearing the apparel, which may slightly differbased on the body shape of the individual and/or construction of theapparel. Thus, in one aspect, the underarm region comprises the torsoportion of the apparel. In another aspect, the underarm region comprisesthe arm portion of the apparel. In yet another aspect, the underarmportion comprises both the torso portion and the arm portion. In aparticular embodiment, the underarm region comprises the torso and armportions, which are in contact with, or directly next to the individualsarm pits.

The length of the apparel can vary. In one aspect, the body portion issufficiently long to at least partially keep a player's upper legs warm.In another aspect, the body portion is sufficiently long such that itcovers the entire tennis outfit worn underneath. For example, a standardtennis skirt reaches half distance between the female player's hip andknee. As such, in a preferred embodiment, the torso portion extendsbelow the midway point between a female player's hip and knee. Mostpreferably, the torso portion extends beyond the tennis skirt by atleast about 1.5 inches. It is contemplated that the apparel may be wornon its own without a tennis outfit underneath, for example, when theplayer knows that the weather conditions would not allow shortsleeve/sleeveless tops or light fabric skirts. In such cases, theapparel may additionally comprise integrated shorts underneath the skirtportion. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the apparel dimensions areindependent of clothing worn underneath.

In the present embodiments, the body portion comprises a band portion.The precise location of the band portion may vary depending on the sizeof the apparel and the body type of the athlete. Thus, in one aspect,the band portion is located at the middle or lower half of the bodyportion. In another aspect, the band portion is located at about orbelow an athlete's waist. In yet another aspect, the band portion islocated at about or below an athlete's hips.

In one aspect, location of the band portion determines the upper andlower regions of the body portion. That is, the upper region generallyextends from about the band portion upwards to the neck portion whilethe lower region generally extends from about the band portion downwardto the legs.

In an embodiment, the lower region of the body portion further comprisesa skirt portion. In one embodiment, the skirt portion extends downwardfrom the band portion to the knees. The skirt portion may be slightlyflared out, tapered, form fitting, or simply hang lose around the upperlegs. In the preferred embodiments, the skirt portion is form fittingbut does not inhibit a player's mobility.

In one embodiment, the upper region of the body portion furthercomprises at least one elastic element. The elastic element(s) aregenerally located between the band portion and the underarm region. Inthe preferred embodiments, the elastic element(s) extend from the bandportion to the underarm region. In some embodiments, the elasticelement(s) may span the entire length of the upper region of the torsoportion. As such, the elastic element may be one piece. Alternatively,the elastic elements may comprise a plurality of strips. Preferably,each of the plurality of elastic elements is separate and integratedinto the upper region fabric.

In a preferred embodiment, the body portion comprises two elasticelements each located on opposite sides of the torso portion andextending from the band portion to the underarm region. In general,there is no restriction on the shape of the elastic element so long asit provides the necessary function, as a person skilled in the art wouldreadily ascertain from the present disclosure. As such, the shape of theelastic elements can include, but are not necessarily limited to,generally rectangular, triangular or oval shapes. Moreover, the elasticelements need not be one continuous piece. For instance a series ofseparate elastic elements may be linearly located between the bandportion and the under arm region. Thus, a series of linearly connectedor spaced elastic elements may be located between the band portion andthe under arm region, to achieve the desired functionality.

It is desirable for the torso portion to at least partially elongate(elastically stretch) during common athletic motions to help maintainindependent movement between the upper and lower portions of theapparel. To that end, an aspect of the present embodiments concerns theelastic properties of the elastic elements. In one aspect, the elasticelement(s) extend or elongate under typical forces associated withtypical athletic movements, and elastically recover to their originallength after the conclusion of the movement. In another aspect, theelastic elements exhibit about 100 percent elastic recovery afterstretching or elongating.

A non-limiting general example of an athletic movement may involveraising (or stretching) one or both arms (e.g. above the shoulders) andlowering or returning them to the original position. Within the contextof tennis, an athletic movement may include, but is not limited to,tossing the ball up, serving the ball, hitting an overhand, orstretching sideways (e.g. substantially parallel to the ground) to reachor hit the ball. Similarly for volleyball, exemplary athletic movementsmay include hitting overhand serve, setting the ball, spiking the ballor blocking an opponent at the net. As for basketball, non-limitingexamples include shooting the ball, going up for a rebound or defendinga pass or shot. During golf, exemplary athletic movement may involveteeing off, hitting a chip shot, or any other shot requiring substantialwind up and/or follow through. In the context of an amateur sport suchas yoga, non-limiting example of athletic movements may involve gettinginto “downward dog,” “triangle” or “side stretch” poses. While the aboveis a non-exhaustive list of athletic movements, based on these examplesa person skilled in the relevant art can readily determine whichathletic movements benefit from apparel with independently moving upperand lower portions.

The specific elastic properties of the elastic element(s) may bedescribed in various ways. In one embodiment, the elastic element(s) canelastically stretch between at least about 5 percent and about 300percent (including every value within the range) in one or moredirections. Preferably, the elastic element(s) stretch between about 5percent and about 200 percent in one or more directions (including everyvalue within the range). Most preferably, the elastic element(s) stretchbetween about 20 percent and about 100 percent (including every valuewithin the range).

Generally, the elastic element(s) can comprise any fabric that providesthe desired elastic properties. The elastic element(s) may comprise anelastic fabric such as spandex. Alternatively, the fabric may be a blendof different types of material (synthetic or natural) such as, but notlimited to, a blend comprising spandex and polyester. In the preferredembodiments, the elastic element comprises between about 10 percent andabout 90 percent spandex (including every value in the range). Inanother embodiment, the elastic element comprises a fabric blendcomprising between about 10 percent and about 90 percent spandex(including every value in the range), and the balance polyester. In yetanother embodiment, the elastic element comprises a fabric blendcomprising between about 10 percent and about 90 percent (includingevery value in the range) of spandex and polyester, with the balancebeing a third type of synthetic or natural material.

In some embodiments, it is specifically preferred that the torso portionelongates along the sides (next to the player's ribs) for example,during a server or an overhand hit. This may be achieved with one ormore elastic elements integrated into the torso portion. For instance,an elastic element may be located along each side of the torso such thatthe hand being raised causes the elastic element(s) on that side tolengthen. Alternatively, plurality of elastic elements may be locatedalong the side region, such that in the aggregate, they allow the torsoportion to sufficiently elongate, as would a single elastic element toachieve the same result. In some embodiments, the sides of the torsoportion can stretch by at least about 2-3 inches. In the preferredembodiments, the sides of the torso portion can stretch by at leastabout four inches.

As mentioned above, one particular attribute of the present embodimentsinvolves independent motion between the skirt portion and torso portionduring various sporting activities. For instance in tennis the skirtportion would have a flow that is independent from the torso portion,which allows free leg movement without interfering with the skirtunderneath. Moreover, sports such as tennis require extensive shoulderflexibility often requiring very short sleeves or sleeveless tops. Whena conventional warm up jacket is worn during practice, the motion ofraising the arm upward invariably causes the entire garment to “lift”up. This is perceived as a change in height from the bottom end of thejacket. Although this height can vary depending on the body dimensionsof the athlete, it is often at least about 4-5 inches.

As such, another aspect of the present embodiments concerns a balancebetween the tight fit of the band portion and the elastic response ofelastic element(s). It is desirable that the skirt portion and torsoportion move sufficiently independent from one another such that when anindividual wearing the apparel raises one or both arms the skirt portiondoes not move upward. One concern is that if the elastic elements do notelongate or stretch sufficiently during an athletic movement the band(and the skirt portion) could ride up. However, countering this problemwith an even tighter band portion may leave the individual veryuncomfortable, and potentially reduce blood circulation in the waist/hipregion. Thus in one embodiment, the band portion is sufficiently snug toprovide a stable fit around the waist (and/or hips) to keep the skirtportion from substantially rising up when the torso portion stretches toreact to athletic movement. The band portion may comprise natural,synthetic or a combination of such material. In one embodiment, the bandportion comprises a fabric comprising at least 10 percent spandex. Inanother embodiment, the band portion comprises a fabric comprisingspandex and polyester. In some embodiments, the band portion is at leasttwo inches in width, more preferably between about 2 inches and about 4inches wide.

The apparel in the present embodiments may include additional featurescommonly found in outdoor sporting apparel. For instance, the fabric ofthe apparel may be ventilated or comprise a water resistant coating.Moreover, the torso portion may comprise a neck portion to keep aplayer's neck warm. Alternatively, the torso portion may comprise a hoodto keep a player's head warm. Moreover, the apparel may includefastening features such as buttons or a zipper. In a particularembodiment, the body portion of the apparel comprises a neck portion anda zipper spanning the entire length of the body portion.

The present embodiments are further described in the accompanyingfigures, without any intent to limit the embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In FIG. 1, the apparel 1 comprises two arm portions 3 connected to abody portion 2. The body portion comprises a torso portion 4 at the top,a skirt portion 5 at the bottom, and a band portion 6 located betweenthe torso portion 4 and the skirt portion 5. The top of the torsoportion 2 comprises a neck portion 9. Additionally, a zipper 10 spanningthe entire length of the apparel 1 facilitates wearing and removing theapparel 1. In this particular apparel 1, the torso portion 4 compriseselastic elements 7 extending from the band portion 6 to the underarmregion, which is in this case at about the armpit. Here, each elasticelement 7 is located along the sides of the torso portion 4 next to anindividual's ribs. An arm portion 3 extending fully upward produces theelongated portion of the elastic element 8. This elongation 8 combinedwith the compression from the band portion prevents the skirt portion 5from moving upward.

In the apparel shown in FIG. 2, the arm portion positions 3 a (resting),and 3 b (raised) are both shown. The elastic element 7 on the side wherethe arm portion 3 b is in a raised position, resulting in the elongatedportion 8. The elongated portion 8 of the elastic element combined withthe compressive force 11 at the band portion 6 prevents the skirtportion 5 of the body portion 2 from rising up.

FIGS. 3 a-3 c illustrate the overall shape of the apparel, according toseveral embodiments. As shown, the exterior of the apparel may take onvarious designs while retaining the functional features. For instance,in some embodiments the waist portion may not be immediately apparentfrom exterior of the apparel.

FIGS. 4 a-4 d demonstrate, from several angles, a tennis athlete raisingone arm to toss the ball during a serve. Here, the skirt portion remainssubstantially at the same location on the upper thigh on both sides eventhough one side of the apparel is being stretched due to the raisedhand. FIGS. 5 a-5 d further illustrate that the bottom of the skirtportion remains substantially at the same location even when one arm isfully stretched upward, during the serve.

FIGS. 6 a-6 g present the full sequence of a tennis serve starting fromthe toss to the follow-through after service. As shown, during thesequence, the athlete's outstretched hand does not cause the bottom ofthe skirt portion to ride up. The bottom of the skirt portion remainssubstantially at the same location on the upper thigh area throughoutthe sequence. FIGS. 7 a-7 g illustrate the same aspect during a forehandand a backhand strike. The figures show that during both types ofmovement, the bottom of the skirt portion remains substantially at thesame location on the upper thigh area.

Finally, FIGS. 8-11 present specific working examples of apparelaccording to various embodiments. These figures and accompanying tablesprovide specific details of fabric and construction of the apparelwithout limiting any of the present embodiments. Such working examplesare provided in provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/634,424 towhich the present application claims priority and hereby incorporates byreference within the present disclosure as if fully set forth.

While the foregoing written description of the present descriptionenables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is consideredpresently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill willunderstand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, andequivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. Theembodiments should therefore not be limited by specific examples orfigures, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spiritof the embodiments.

1. An apparel comprising: a body portion; a pair of arm portions; and anunderarm region located between said body portion and each said armportions; wherein the body portion comprises: a torso portion; a skirtportion; a band portion located between said torso portion and saidskirt portion; and at least one elastic element located between saidband portion and underarm region.
 2. The apparel of claim 1, whereinsaid at least one elastic element extends from the band portion to theunderarm region.
 3. The apparel of claim 1, comprising a plurality oflinearly connected elastic elements.
 4. The apparel of claim 3, whereinsaid plurality of linearly connected elastic elements extend from theband portion to the underarm region.
 5. The apparel of claim 1,comprising two elastic elements, wherein said elastic elements arelocated on opposing sides of the torso portion.
 6. The apparel of claim5, wherein said two elastic elements each extend from the band portionto the underarm region.
 7. The apparel of claim 1, wherein said at leastone elastic element comprises spandex and polyester.
 8. The apparel ofclaim 1, wherein the band portion comprises spandex and polyester. 9.The apparel of claim 1, wherein the width of the band portion is betweenabout 2 and about 4 inches.
 10. The apparel of claim 1, wherein saidleast one elastic element can elongate by at least about four inches.11. The apparel of claim 1, wherein at least one elastic element canelongate by at least about one hundred percent.
 12. The apparel of claim4, wherein the plurality of connected elastic elements can, in theaggregate, elongate by at least about four inches.
 13. The apparel ofclaim 1, wherein an individual wearing said apparel can raise one orboth arms without causing the skirt portion to substantially moveupward.
 14. The apparel of claim 1, wherein the plurality of elasticelements comprise a ventilated fabric.
 15. The apparel of claim 1,wherein the body portion comprises a fabric comprising natural andsynthetic materials.
 16. The apparel of claim 1, wherein the torsoportion fabric comprises a blend of polyester and spandex.
 17. Theapparel of claim 1, comprising a zipper spanning the entire length ofthe body portion.
 18. The apparel of claim 1, wherein said apparel isone piece.
 19. An apparel comprising: a body portion; a pair of armportions; and an underarm region located between said body portion andeach said arm portions; wherein the body portion comprises: a torsoportion; a skirt portion; a band portion located between the torsoportion and the skirt portion; and at least one elastic elementextending from the band portion to the under arm region such that anindividual wearing said apparel can raise one or both arms withoutcausing the skirt portion to substantially move upward.
 20. A method ofmaking an apparel comprising the steps of: providing a body portion;providing a pair of arm portions; and providing an underarm regionlocated between said body portion and each said arm portions; whereinthe body portion comprises: a torso portion; a skirt portion; and a bandportion located between the torso portion and the skirt portion; andproviding at least one elastic element at a location between said bandportion and underarm region.